What does E15 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?

E15 means: Water in base (anti-flood). The most likely parts involved are leak source, float switch.

How much does it cost to fix E15?

A typical leak repair costs about $50–$300 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.

Can I tilt my Bosch dishwasher to clear the E15 code?

Some people tilt the dishwasher to drain the base tray, but this only hides the problem if there is a real leak. It also risks damage or injury, so it's safer to let the base dry and have the leak found.

Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with an E15 code?

The dishwasher usually won't run while E15 is active. Even if it clears, running it with a leak can damage floors and cabinets, so it's best to wait until the cause is fixed.

Error codes › Dishwasher › Bosch

Bosch Dishwasher E15 Error Code

Water in base (anti-flood)

What's going on

E15 on a Bosch dishwasher means water has collected in the base pan under the tub, and the anti-flood system has tripped. The dishwasher will usually pump out water and refuse to run until the base is dry and the leak is found. It is not usually dangerous, but a leak can damage your floor and cabinets, so don't ignore it.

Bosch dishwashers have a shallow tray at the very bottom, under the wash tub. A small float sits in this tray. If water leaks from anywhere inside the machine, it runs down into the tray and lifts the float.

When the float rises, it trips a switch. The control board then shows E15, stops the cycle, and often runs the drain pump to protect your kitchen from flooding.

The code means the dishwasher thinks water is in the base. Most of the time a real leak is the cause. Sometimes the float or its switch is stuck and gives a false alarm. Codes can differ between model generations, so confirm the meaning with your model number.

Likely causes

leak source — Water is escaping from somewhere inside the machine, such as a hose, seal, pump, or door gasket, and dripping into the base tray. Too much soap or the wrong detergent can also cause suds to overflow into the base.
float switch — The float or the switch it presses can stick in the raised position, even after the base is dry. This makes the dishwasher show E15 when there is no water in the base.

The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your dishwasher's rating plate before ordering parts.

Can you fix it yourself?

Hard to do yourself. Most people end up calling a technician.

Safe things to check first

Turn off the dishwasher, then unplug it or switch off its breaker before touching anything. Look under and around the machine for puddles or wet spots on the floor.
Check that you are using only dishwasher detergent, in the right amount. Hand dish soap or too much detergent can make suds that spill into the base.
Open the door and look at the door gasket for tears, food buildup, or anything keeping it from sealing. Make sure the filter at the bottom of the tub is seated correctly.
With the power still off, leave the dishwasher off for a day or two so the base can dry out. Then restore power and see if the code comes back.

When to call a technician

If E15 returns after the base has dried out, or you see water leaking during a cycle, call a qualified appliance technician to find and fix the leak. Most owners leave this repair to a technician because it means working underneath the machine.

What the repair usually costs

$50–$300

Leak repair, parts and labor — national reference range

Confidence: low (based on a single cost guide — treat as a rough guide). Plus a service call fee of about $50–$100, often credited toward the repair.

This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dishwasher.

A typical new dishwasher costs about $800–$1,200.

Check your dishwasher — free, 2 minutes

Common questions

What does E15 mean on a Bosch dishwasher?: E15 means: Water in base (anti-flood). The most likely parts involved are leak source, float switch.
How much does it cost to fix E15?: A typical leak repair costs about $50–$300 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my dishwasher?: Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dishwasher.
Can I fix E15 myself?: Hard to do yourself. Most people end up calling a technician.
Can I tilt my Bosch dishwasher to clear the E15 code?: Some people tilt the dishwasher to drain the base tray, but this only hides the problem if there is a real leak. It also risks damage or injury, so it's safer to let the base dry and have the leak found.
Is it safe to keep using my dishwasher with an E15 code?: The dishwasher usually won't run while E15 is active. Even if it clears, running it with a leak can damage floors and cabinets, so it's best to wait until the cause is fixed.